Douglas County Defense Attorney for Arson Charges
Arson charges can range so much in Douglas County and throughout Colorado, that the Colorado Revised Statutes have 4 different charges: First, Second, Third, and Fourth Degree Arson, with First Degree Arson being the most severe. Accidents with fire can happen, but even unintentional fires can result in criminal charges that involve fines and jail time, with the severity depending on if anyone was hurt or in danger, the location, and how much damage was done. Fox31 Denver published a story last week about an intruder lighting an object on fire in someone’s home. If caught, the perpetrator will be facing serious penalties.
Lets have a look at the 4 types of Arson:
Fourth Degree Arson in Castle Rock
If you knowingly or recklessly start or maintain a fire or cause an explosion in Castle Rock, you could be charged with Fourth Degree Arson. C.R.S. 18-4-105 provides that if someone places another “in danger of death or serious bodily injury or places any building or occupied structure of another in danger of damage commits fourth degree arson.” If someone is endangered, the crime is a class 4 felony. If only property is endangered, and the property is more than $100, the crime is considered a class 2 misdemeanor – if less than $100, a class 3 misdemeanor.
Third Degree Arson in Parker
In Parker, if you, “by means of fire or explosives, intentionally damage any property with intent to defraud” you will have committed Third Degree Arson, a class 4 felony (C.R.S. 18-4-104).
Second Degree Arson in Lone Tree
“A person who knowingly sets fire to, burns, causes to be burned, or by the use of any explosive damages or destroys, or causes to be damaged or destroyed, any property of another without his consent, other than a building or occupied structure, commits second degree arson” (C.R.S. 18-4-103). This is a class 4 felony in Lone Tree if the damage is more than $100, and a class 2 misdemeanor if the damage is less than $100.
First Degree Arson in Highlands Ranch
If a person in Highlands Ranch “knowingly sets fire to, burns, causes to be burned, or by the use of any explosive damages or destroys, or causes to be damaged or destroyed, any building or occupied structure of another without his consent” they can be charged with first degree arson (C.R.S. 18-4-102). This is a class 3 felony, which can mean up to 12 years in prison and a fine of $750,000.
Lawyer for Arson Charges in Larkspur, Colorado
Call Us at 303-265-1950
If you or a loved one are contacted by Police regarding Arson charges in Larkspur, or anywhere in Colorado, be smart. Politely exercise your right to remain silent, and contact our experienced criminal defense lawyers today at 303-265-1950. Together, we can protect your future.
